The 7 Spookiest Cities in the U.S.

Things that go bump in the night. Faint cries coming from empty rooms. Shadowy figures that fade from view. It’s all deliciously creepy fun.

If you’re a ghost hunter or you just love feeling a chill run up and down your spine, hop on the road to visit these seven destinations that are well known for their spooky history.

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  1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

  Why it’s spooky: Being on the island is like traveling back in time — cars have been banned and people get around with bicycles, on foot or by horse and carriage, according to Mackinac.com. With a rich history that includes Native American legends and military lore from Fort Mackinac, the island has its fair share of ghost tales.

  Most famous ghost: The ghost of a young man named Harvey famously haunts guests at Mission Point Resort, the Mackinac Island Town Crier reports. Harvey died on the bluff behind the hotel. Today he’s said to turn on lights when guests are sleeping, steal or rearrange their personal items and appear on the bluff on starry nights.
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  2. Salem, Massachusetts

  Why it’s spooky: It should be no surprise that the location of the Witch Trials draws flocks of tourists every year to this Eastern port city. In the ancient cemetery in the center of town, the gravestones of people involved in the 1692 trials still stand next to a new monument bearing the names of the people who were executed during that difficult time, according to Smithsonian.com.

  Most famous ghost: Bridget Bishop, a wealthy owner of a local tavern, was the first woman killed for witchcraft during the Witch Trials. She is seen regularly at the Lyceum Bar and Grill, which was built on the site where Bridget owned an apple orchard, according to the Travel Channel.
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  3. Charleston, South Carolina

  Why it’s spooky: This Southern city boasts 300 years of reported hauntings, according to the Travel Channel. It’s a very well-known destination for those who love all things eerie, so much so that there’s even a series of bestselling ghostly novels, the Tradd Street mysteries, by Karen White, set in the city’s antebellum mansions.

  Most famous ghost: Reported ghost sightings are plentiful in Charleston’s White Point Garden, where 50 pirates were hanged in the 1700s. Their spirits are said to haunt this popular tourist attraction to this day. Visitors report unexplained cold spots on hot days, and have seen shadowy figures floating between the trees.
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  4. New Orleans, Louisiana

  Why it’s spooky: New Orleans’ association with voodoo, ghost stories and vampire novels makes it an eerie place on the brightest of days, not to mention on foggy nights.

  Most famous ghost: The ghost of notorious pirate Jean Lafitte is said to make regular visits to his old haunt, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street, where he is rumored to have hidden a treasure before his death, Travel+Leisure reports. Patrons and employees alike have reported seeing his red eyes glowing behind the fireplace downstairs, staring at them before disappearing.
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  5. Savannah, Georgia

  Why it’s spooky: For all of its Southern charm, Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the country, with many of the historic mansions, pubs and inns having their own resident ghosts, the Travel Channel reports.

  Most famous ghost: The City Hotel on Bay Street (now the Moon River Brewing Co.) had an unexpectedly rough history, according to the Travel Channel. Legends include a bar fight that ended in murder and, amid the tensions of the Civil War, a mob of customers brutally beating a visiting New Yorker. It’s reported that apparitions appear on upper floors and bottles are thrown by invisible forces. But if you feel a push in the billiard room while no one’s around, it might be Toby, the ghost of a young boy.
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  6. St. Charles, Missouri

  Why it’s spooky: St. Charles, where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark started their famous expedition to explore the area west of the Mississippi River, is home to historic shops and restaurants in buildings that date back more than two centuries — and nearly all of them have a story about ghostly hauntings, Minnesota’s StarTribune reports.

  Most famous ghost: According to local legend, the spirit of a little girl floats in and out of many shops and restaurants on South Main Street, and an elegantly dressed couple regularly waits for a table at a restaurant, only to disappear when the host or hostess arrives to seat them, the StarTribune reports. There’s even a story that tells of a ghostly dog that ambles down Main Street. But the most famous ghost is the Lady in White, who is said to stand in front of the church in the old cemetery at the center of town, smiles at people who notice her and then fades away.

  Image courtesy of Explore St. Louis.
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  7. Charlotte, North Carolina

  Why it’s spooky: Spirits are said to float in and around many of the Civil War-era homes and restaurants in the historic district of this city that is otherwise dripping with Southern charm, the Travel Channel reports.

  Most famous ghost: The Cajun Queen, an old mansion that was converted into a restaurant, is supposedly haunted by the ghost of a woman who once lived there, according to the Travel Channel. Because the bar is located in what was her bedroom, she supposedly haunts those who are bold enough to stop for a drink.

Originally published September 26, 2016.

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5 Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season

When autumn begins, it’s important to remember that deer become more active as they get ready for mating season — which can mean a greater risk of deer-related accidents while driving. It’s important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings to help you avoid this risk. Here are a few safe driving tips to keep in mind while on the road.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

According to the University of Illinois Extension (U of I Extension), the majority of vehicle accidents involving a deer occur from October through December, when deer activity is at its peak. It’s important to pay close attention to what’s around you — including deer crossing signs, as they can help you identify areas known to have a high deer population. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends slowing down and increasing distance between your vehicle and other cars when you see those signs. The extra room may give you more time to react if a deer crosses the road in front of you.

Look Out for the Group

Deer typically travel in groups, says the Insurance Information Institute (III), so if you cross paths with one deer, keep your eyes open for others. The U of I Extension advises that you should not swerve to avoid hitting a deer, even though it can be a common instinct, as it could cause you to lose control of your car and result in a more serious accident.

Pay Attention to the Clock

According to DeerCrash.org, deer tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. Since visibility is lower during these times, reduce your speed at night and use high-beam headlights for a better view — but make sure to tone them down when oncoming traffic approaches so you don’t reduce the visibility of other drivers. The brighter light can also help a deer’s eyes stand out, says the III, helping you spot a deer from further away. This may give you more time to slow down and safely pass the deer.

Regularly Clean and Inspect Your Car

When deer are on the move, being able to see them from as far away as possible is important. To help ensure clear visibility, DeerCrash.org recommends keeping your windshield clean. You may also want to check your headlights regularly to be sure they are clean and in good working condition. While you’re at it, make sure your tail lights are clean and working as well — the U of I Extension states that if you see a deer on the road, tapping your brakes can help alert other drivers behind you of its presence.

Have A Plan In Case of an Accident

Like all animals, deer can be unpredictable. While you can take many steps to improve your safety, sometimes accidents happen. If you do hit a deer, DeerCrash.org recommends coming to a stop on the side of the road and turning on your hazard lights. Once you’ve come to a stop, remain in your vehicle and report the accident to the local police department. The III states that you should not attempt to touch the animal, as a scared or wounded deer could cause further harm to itself — or even you.

Though deer season peaks from October through December, remember that a deer could run on or near roadways at any time of the year. Practice safe driving at all times and remember these few extra precautions to help get you through this time of year accident-free.

Originally published on November 17, 2011.

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Prep for the Autumn Roads Ahead

There’s a lot to love about autumn — the changing leaves, pumpkin carving, sweater weather — but when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a car, the change in season from summer to fall can add some challenges. With the wetter, frostier conditions, fallen leaves and fewer hours of daylight, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the roads ahead. Here’s a list of a few autumn driving challenges.

Slippery Roads

In fall, rain is quite common, which can make visibility difficult and may cause hydroplaning. And if it’s an especially chilly day, rain can turn to frost. Be alert, give yourself enough space to stop and avoid breaking suddenly (unless you have to), says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If fog rolls in, use low beams and maintain an appropriate distance between other vehicles, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Kid Crossing

School is back in session, which adds more hustle and bustle in the streets — from increased traffic, to school buses frequent stops and pedestrians crossing. Make sure to follow the speed limits and be aware of pedestrians at all times, says NHTSA. And don’t forget: Halloween brings out trick-or-treaters, so be especially alert on Oct. 31.

Loss of Pressure

Temperatures rise and fall during autumn. These changes may cause car tires to expand and contract, which can result in loss of air pressure. Check your tires regularly to make sure they’re properly inflated. Typically, you can find the proper air pressure for your tires, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), in your car’s owner’s manual.

Slick Leaves

The colors of fall leaves are a beautiful sight to see, but when they’re in piles on the road, it may turn ugly. Soggy leaves can be as slippery as a patch of ice, according to the National Center for Rural Road Safety. They can also camouflage road hazards, like potholes. If you see wet leaves in the street, proceed carefully.

Deer En Route

All fall long, but especially come November, pay attention to animals crossing the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, you’re 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal — especially a deer — in November than at any other time of the year. This fall month coincides with deer mating season when bucks are likely to be roaming. Pay attention to “deer crossing” signs and be extra cautious if you’re driving at dusk or dawn, the highest-risk times for deer crashes. If you encounter an animal on the road, try to avoid swerving, says the Washington Department of Fish and Wildfire. Ideally, you’ll want to come to a controlled stop and let the animal pass.

After a long, balmy summer, the shift to fall can feel like a nice break. Soak it up while staying alert to the driving challenges of the season.

Originally published on October 29, 2013.

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